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Monday, October 31, 2011

Every challenge has a silver lining, even though it may be hard to find.It may be your new appreciation for life or your family and friends, increased ability to handle the unknowns, or increased patience levels.

There were many silver linings with my cancer journey, starting with more time with my kids, learning how to be happy on a daily basis even when I wasn’t in control of the variables, right thru to cancer being the catalyst to spark positive changes in my life, including leaving my corporate job so I can live in better harmony with my principles, priorities and passions. In essence, living my ideal life so I will have no regrets should cancer come back.

Take a minute now to think of the challenges in your life and what are their silver linings?

Spending extra time with my family during my year of medical leave from work was definitely a silver lining for me!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

There are many techniques or coping mechanisms for remaining positive that I used during my cancer journey. Let’s review them now and see how you can use them to help you stay focused on the positives in your situation.

Determine the worst case scenario and how you would handle it. Then focus on the best case scenario.

We used this strategy several times during our cancer journey, starting with my husband Darryl’s diagnosis. Darryl dying was the worst case scenario. How would I handle it? Did we need to make changes to our will and life insurance? Once we addressed the key items under our control, and I realized I could survive if the worst case scenario happened, then we focused all our energy on positive thinking and Darryl living – the best case scenario.

What is the worst case scenario of your challenge? How would you handle it? Then what is your best case scenario? Stay focused on this best case.

Darryl’s first chemo appointment coincided with my dad’s biopsy appointment at the same hospital.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Anyone not had a challenge in life so far? Didn’t think so. Unfortunately, life will deal all of us many challenges. But I’m a firm believer that having a positive attitude will help you survive your challenges much better. Surround yourself with positive people. Look for the silver lining in every situation as my family has.

While thinking positive may not always result in the outcome you hope for, it will at least help the journey be more enjoyable.

For the most part, you have no control over being diagnosed with cancer (or other illnesses or tragedies). But you do have control over your thinking as you progress through your cancer journey. Find ways to remain positive.

Research reveals that negative thinking uses three times as much energy as positive thinking, so save your energy for what really matters by focusing on positive thinking.

Research also indicates you attract into your life the people and circumstances that are in harmony with your dominant thoughts. So make those dominant thoughts positive.

Let’s look at an example. I recently bought a new car – A Ford Edge. I didn’t even know this car existed before I started shopping, and then all of a sudden after shopping and buying the car, I noticed at least five Ford Edges every day. The number of Ford Edges did not increase significantly in that one week period, but what did increase were my thoughts about this car, and so in return, I noticed and attracted these cars.

The same attraction applies in all other aspects of our lives, which is why it is so important to think positively, because then you will attract more positive energy and results into your life.

Finally, research suggests that 40% of your happiness level is determined by your intentional activity – such as attitude and behavior.That’s great news, as you can control up to 40% of your happiness. (50% is determined by your genes and heredity, and the remaining 10% is determined by your life circumstances.)

So the bottom line of all this research is that it is to your benefit to remain positive as much as possible!

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Those were very impactful words of advice I was given by my cancer doctor (see last blog post). The question is, how do you take action on them?

The answer is simple—one step at a time. And that is where the lessons I learned come into play. I’ve summarized them to the three key lessons that helped me, and I truly believe can help you too ensure you are happy, healthy and living your life to the fullest – in other words, with no regrets should cancer (or any illness or tragedy) enter or return to your life.